Victor Hale arrived at the custody unit with less patience than the day before.
The officer at reception took his identification, checked his appointment, and made him wait beside a vending machine that had not been cleaned properly in years. Victor stood with his briefcase in one hand and a sealed folder under his arm, saying nothing while two officers spoke quietly behind the desk.
When they finally brought him through, he did not ask why it had taken so long. Everyone in the building knew why. Michael Erickson was no longer only a famous executive under investigation. He was a man accused of trying to move records, pressure witnesses, and use whatever remained of his influence from inside a collapsing empire.
That changed how doors opened.
Michael was already seated in the consultation room when Victor entered.
